At this time of year, as we spend more time indoors, it is the quality of the view from inside our home out into the garden, that becomes the focus of our attention. Take a moment to sit in your favourite chair and look out of the window. What can you see? Power poles and a washing line, your neighbour’s fence and the recycling bin? If so, a little creative garden design could be all you need to transform what was a dreary, uninspiring outlook, into a green and appealing vista. Frame your view with feature trees or hedging. Plant some cheery annuals to brighten the gloomy days. Cover bare external walls with climbers and creepers. Hide bikes and bins behind fencing panels. Create texture and reduce the weeds in empty garden beds with groundcover plants. Finally, distract the eye away from less appealing areas by drawing it towards focal points in the more beautiful parts of your garden. Then find yourself a drink, light the fire, snuggle down into your favourite chair and enjoy the view.